Russian forces invaded Ukraine early on Thursday, assaulting by land, sea and air in the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.
Ukraine says its cities are under attack by Russia as Sky News hears explosions in Kyiv and Kharkiv. The country’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The reactions from the outside world could not wait:
President von der Leyen: It is President Putin, who is bringing war back to Europe. In these dark hours, the European Union and its people stand by Ukraine and its people. We are facing an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country.
Later today, we will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions, to European Leaders for approval. With this package, we will target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to technologies and markets that are key for Russia.
US President Biden: The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the face of these attacks on Ukraine, Canada will take additional action to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression. We continue to stand with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Canada. Russia’s brazen acts will not go unpunished.
– End Statements –
World leaders, with the exception of China, condemn Russia in unison for this unprovoked invasion. Russia’s president has given false allegations of genocide against Russians in Ukraine as the reason for the invasion.
